Louksor (Thèbes), Vue Générale des Ruines 1851 - 1852

This is Félix Teynard's "Louksor (Thèbes), Vue Générale des Ruines", a photograph of the ruins at Luxor, created in the mid-19th century. Teynard, a French engineer and photographer, documented Egypt during a time when European interest in the region's antiquities was peaking. This image reflects the colonial gaze through which Egypt was often viewed. The photograph presents a vast, desolate landscape, framing the ancient structures as remnants of a distant past, ripe for Western interpretation and, some might argue, appropriation. Consider the power dynamics at play: a European photographer capturing images of a land with a rich, complex history. The sepia tone evokes a sense of timelessness, but also hints at the selective way history is presented. This photograph isn't just a record; it’s a statement about power, perception, and the colonial project. It invites us to reflect on whose stories are told and how they are framed.